A scenic haven approximately 40 miles from New York City, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers day-trippers a day of fun and relaxation. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's mammoth pool can hold 3,500 bathers at one time! In addition the park offers a host of other activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

The park's oases of blue water, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Popular catches include bass, perch, and sunfish. A New York State Freshwater Fishing License is required. Licenses can be purchased at town halls or at a variety of sporting goods stores. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental; however, a regional boating permit allows visitors to launch their own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. For an additional fee, rowboat owners may also store their boats. In wintertime, the water's tree-lined border provides a winter wonderland backdrop for ice fisherman.

For those who are content to remain in the park's picnic areas, there are many other activities to enjoy. Many picnic areas have volleyball nets and many have softball fields nearby. Two NCAA regulation basketball courts and a soccerfield are available for recreational use or league play. Sports enthusiasts may wish to try their hand at Disc golf, located a short distance from the picnic areas. One can play either 9 or 18 holes. The rules and scorecards are located at the course, and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office for a refundable deposit. The park's hills and trails are perfect for winter sports. The young and the young at heart will enjoy sledding or cross-country skiing.

Regulation basketball courts-two NCAA regulation courts with stadium spectator seating are available for recreational use or league play

Disc Golf Course-located a short distance from the picnic areas. Play either 9 or 18 holes. Rules and scorecards are located at the course, and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office.

Concession Stands-two food and beverage concession stands located in the park, one by the pool and one by the basketball courts.

Household pets only, caged or on a leash not more than 10 feet. Pets are not permitted in buildings, picnic areas, playing fields, or swimming pool complex. We provide materials so you can clean up after your pet.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Apply online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park encompasses two water bodies, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, which provide recreational boating and are home to many native fishes, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill.

A red maple-hardwood swamp covers 179-acres of land, which is almost 1/5 of the Park. Try to identify the many beautifully unique dragonfly species that can be found in and around the Park wetland.

The Hudson Valley's lower Hudson River watershed, where Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is located, provides about 10% of the drinking water for New York City through the East of the Hudson Reservoir System. Bio-retention basins located around the Park, and planned construction of a new green parking lot, will help filter and protect this drinking water.

A: Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is one of the best places in New York to see a red maple-hardwood swamp. Our wetlands are home to a variety of animals, including many species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), birds, white-tailed deer, and Eastern coyotes.

Q: What kinds of wild animals are in the woods? Are they dangerous?

A: Many of the animals commonly seen in New York State backyards can be found in our park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and song birds. The species that may cause some alarm are coyotes and snapping turtles – however, these animals will generally not come in contact with humans and would prefer to be left alone. Dragonflies, despite their name, are harmless and beautiful creatures. Be respectful of our wildlife, keep a safe distance, and they will not bother you.

Q: What can I do at the Park besides swim in the pool and have a picnic?

A: Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond offer a beautiful boating and fishing experience. You can find many types of fish, birds, and mammals in the area, including great blue herons and beavers. Secluded and serene Crom Pond can only be accessed through the water trail connecting it to Mohansic Lake.

Did You Know?

- DID YOU KNOW? In 1782, French troops camping in Yorktown created the current outlet from Crom Pond in return for firewood and camping rights.

- CHECK IT OUT! New rustic benches scattered around the Park's 18-hole disc golf course are made out of Black Locust wood from trees that fell during recent severe storms, a great re-use of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park wood!